FREEDOM WARS Remastered on the Strengths of ReadSpeaker and the Future of Voice Synthesis Solutions

FREEDOM WARS Remastered Released for PS5®/PS4®/Nintendo Switch™/PC (Steam) Integrates ReadSpeaker Technology  

On January 9, 2025, Bandai Namco Entertainment released FREEDOM WARS Remastered for PS5®, PS4®, Nintendo Switch™, and PC (Steam). The Steam version followed with a January 10 release.  

This remastered edition of the original FREEDOM WARS, a resource-reclamation multiplayer action game launched in 2014 for PS Vita® by Sony Computer Entertainment (now Sony Interactive Entertainment/SIE), features enhanced visuals, improved gameplay, and innovative use of HOYA Corporation’s ReadSpeaker voice synthesis technology for certain character voices.  

To learn more about the integration of ReadSpeaker and its unique appeal, we spoke with the core development staff at Dimps, who have been involved in both the original game and the remaster. 

 

Overview of FREEDOM WARS Remastered

Takashi Tsukamoto (Producer): FREEDOM WARS is set in a dystopian future where humanity faces severe resource depletion. People are born with the unimaginable burden of a “1 million-year sentence.” The story unfolds in a hyper-surveillance society governed by the Panopticon—a fully self-contained mega-city enforcing the absolute PT Law to meticulously manage resources.  

Players assume the role of “Sinners”— individuals attempting to reduce their sentences through “Volunteer” missions (battles) while striving to regain basic human rights. One standout aspect is the constant monitoring by multi-purpose androids called “Accessories”. These accessories assist in combat and can be customized in appearance and dialogue—a feature powered by voice synthesis technology in the remastered version. 

The Road to Remastering

Tsukamoto: The original title’s bold setting—centered on “1 million years of punishment” and an extreme surveillance society—resonated with players. We believed this unique world could still captivate today’s audience. Thanks to discussions with SIE and collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment, we seized the opportunity to bring this title back to life on its 10th anniversary, with a global audience in mind.  

Innovations in the Remastered Edition

Tetsunosuke Seki (Director): The most noticeable improvements are in graphics, upgraded for modern platforms. The PS5® and Steam versions support 4K resolution and run at 60fps, with adjustments to difficulty and refreshed weapon systems for a more seamless experience. 

Leveraging ReadSpeaker for Voice Customization

The original version allowed players to customize their Accessories’ dialogue. This feature returns, enhanced by ReadSpeaker, allowing for even greater personalization. 

Tsukamoto: The ability to customize your android companion’s dialogue was initially inspired by the creative possibilities of Vocaloid technology in the 2010s. This personalization builds stronger emotional connections between players and their Accessories, further immersing them in the game’s dystopian world.  

Sota Harada (Technical Director): ReadSpeaker enabled us to create eight distinct voice patterns for Accessories, allowing players to infuse their companions with unique personalities.  

Why ReadSpeaker Was the Clear Choice

For the remaster, global appeal was a priority, necessitating a voice synthesis solution that supported multiple languages, including English. ReadSpeaker’s multi-platform compatibility, extensive voice options, and ability to handle in-game terminology made it the perfect fit.  

Adapting to CVAA Standards

ReadSpeaker also facilitated compliance with the U.S. CVAA (21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act), which mandates accessibility features like text to speech for game chat systems. 

Global Expansion and Future Prospects

Tsukamoto: If this remastered edition achieves success, it could pave the way for sequels and further exploration of this universe. With ReadSpeaker, we see tremendous potential for overcoming language barriers, enabling real-time multilingual voice communication, and enhancing player interactions in global gaming.  

Hiroyasu Oshima (Sound Director): The future might even see AI-generated dialogue paired with synthesized emotional expression, opening new horizons for character creation and storytelling.  

FREEDOM WARS Remastered effectively integrates cutting-edge voice synthesis technology, showcasing how solutions like ReadSpeaker can support global releases while enhancing accessibility and immersion. The game is set to captivate a new generation of players with its bold world-building and innovative features.

©2025 Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. and Dimps Corporation. FREEDOM WARS is a registered trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC and related companies in the United States and other countries. Published by Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.

Credit: Original Japanese blog post